Aaron Bronsteter returns with his UFC Notebook to look at how Anthony Smith’s decision to move up to the light heavyweight division has paid off, why Corey Anderson has established himself as a top-5 light heavyweight and much more.

To say that Anthony Smith’s decision to move up to the light heavyweight division was the correct one would be a vast understatement.

In less than three months, Smith has knocked out two former champions in devastating fashion.

At UFC 225 in early June, Smith knocked out Rashad Evans in just 53 seconds, and this past weekend Smith did the same to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in less than 90 seconds in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Hamburg, Germany.

Smith landed a crisp combination and followed it up with a devastating elbow that sent Rua tumbling.

Following the win, Smith called out Alexander Gustafsson, who needs an opponent for the UFC 227 card in Los Angeles on Aug. 4. Gustafsson's opponent Volkan Oezdemir withdrew earlier this week due to injury.

However, according to MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, Gustafsson is also hurt and will be unable to fight at UFC 227.

Anderson establishes himself as a top-5 light heavyweight

Smith has of late made a name for himself in the light heavyweight division and so has Ultimate Fighter 19 winner Corey Anderson.

Anderson faced third-ranked Glover Teixeira and made easy work of him over the course of three rounds. He dominated the veteran with his wrestling, takedown defence and sharp striking en route to a unanimous decision victory.

It was Anderson’s second straight win as he finally showed signs of becoming the contender that many had pegged him to be when he became The Ultimate Fighter in July 2014.

Bonuses and attendance

UFC Fight Night at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg drew 7,798 attendees for a gate of $750,000 (U.S.).

Performance bonuses were awarded to Smith for his knockout of Rua, Manny Bermudez for his submission finish victory over Davey Grant and to both Danny Roberts and David Zawada for their action-packed three-round fight.

McGregor to have hearing this week

Conor McGregor’s next and potentially final court hearing takes place this Thursday in Brooklyn, New York.

In his previous hearing, McGregor’s legal team said they were attempting to work out a plea deal with the New York district attorney.

McGregor has been charged with three counts of assault and one charge of criminal mischief stemming from an incident that took place following UFC 223 media day on April 5. McGregor allegedly hurled a metal dolly through the window of a bus filled with “red corner” fighters, including lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, a likely future opponent. Two fighters were injured in the melee.

TMZ recently reported that McGregor was expected to strike a plea deal to prevent him from serving jail time and to avoid deportation. A spokesperson for McGregor’s attorney, however, stated that there was no accuracy to the reports.

UFC president Dana White has stated that McGregor’s next fight in the promotion will not be made until his legal situation has been resolved. McGregor has not fought a UFC bout since November 2016.

Congenital amputee Newell headlines Dana White Contender Series

Back in 2012, White said that congenital amputee Nick Newell, who now boasts an 14-1 record, would “never” fight in the promotion.

This year, following a first-round submission win over Sonny Luque, White changed his tune and after meeting with Newell, offered him a spot on the second season of The Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series, which runs on Tuesdays throughout the summer.

Should Newell score a victory over his upcoming opponent Alex Munoz (4-0), it does not guarantee him a UFC contract, but should he put on an impressive performance, it would likely earn Newell a spot in the promotion.

Newell’s fight takes place Tuesday evening and the event airs on UFC Fight Pass.